High Unemployment Countries 1-25-26

As of early 2026, data shows countries like Eswatini, South Africa and Djibouti have some of the world's highest unemployment, often exceeding 20-30%, with broader economic issues in many developing nations, while major economies like the US see projections around 4.5% for 2026, indicating high variances globally. Specific rankings for the top 20 countries in 2026 are still developing as the year progresses, with data from sources like World Population Review and TheGlobalEconomy.com providing ongoing updates.  

Countries Often Cited with High Unemployment (Early 2026 Data):

Eswatini: Around 34.4%.

South Africa: Around 33.2%.

Djibouti: Around 25.9%.

Botswana: Around 23.2%.

Gabon: Around 20.1%. 

Factors Influencing High Rates:

Economic Downturns: Pandemic after-effects, commodity price volatility, and structural challenges in emerging markets.

Emerging Economies: Nations in Africa, parts of Asia, and Latin America often face significant youth unemployment and informal labor market issues. 

Where to Find More Detailed 2026 Data:

World Population Review: Provides current rankings and data from various sources.

TheGlobalEconomy.com: Offers forecasts and updated statistics.

Trading Economics: Features country-specific data and historical trends. 

Based on data from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the International Labour Organization (ILO), the following 20 countries are projected to have the highest unemployment rates in 2026. 

While the global unemployment rate is projected to remain stable at approximately 4.9%, these nations face significant structural and economic challenges. 

Sudan: 58.0%

Eswatini: 34.4%

South Africa: 33.2%

Angola: 22.8%

Djibouti: 25.9%

Botswana: 23.2%

Jordan: 21.0%

Gabon: 20.1%

Ethiopia: 19.2%

Georgia: 13.9%

Armenia: 13.3%

Guyana: 12.5%

Bosnia and Herzegovina: 12.0%

North Macedonia: 11.2%

Haiti: 13.1%

Spain: 10.7%

Ukraine: 10.2%

Finland: 9.4%

The Bahamas: 9.1%

Greece: 8.4% 

Note: Rates for certain countries may vary between reporting agencies based on whether they use national estimates or harmonized international definitions. Some regions, particularly Central and Western Asia, are expected to maintain higher regional averages.

https://www.google.com/search?q=what+20+countries+have+the+highest+unemployment+rate+in+2026

Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader